Police continue search for car wash gunman

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Midland police continue to search for the man who allegedly shot a manager in the back as he fled out of the bay of a car wash Tuesday afternoon. Watch video.

Authorities said a patrol officer was flagged down at the Yorkman’s Car Wash and Detail Shop at 3400 W. Illinois Ave. in reference to a gunshot victim around 4 p.m.

The victim, 26-year-old Robert Yorkman, suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back that possibly may have exited through his abdomen area, police said. He was rushed to Midland Memorial Hospital and taken into surgery, said officials.

Witnesses told investigators that a Hispanic man had come to the shop earlier that day for an estimate on a vehicle. He was accompanied by a Hispanic woman.

Prior to the shooting, the man returned alone, entered the bay area of the shop and approached the manager. He hid something behind his back while he talked to the manager who then became suspicious and ran out of the bay, authorities said.

The suspect then allegedly pulled out the weapon and shot the man while he was running. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

Detectives were able to talk with the Yorkman while he was in the emergency room. Police canvassed the area surrounding the car wash, searching for the suspect but had not located him at press time.

Described as a Hispanic male with a thin build and multiple tattoos, he’s estimated to be between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8. He was wearing a white muscle shirt and light-colored jeans at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 685-7108 or Midland Crime Stoppers.